A store owner was tacking a sign above his door that read, “Puppies For
Sale”. Signs like that have a way of attracting children, and sure
enough, a little boy appeared under the sign. “How much are you going
to sell the puppies for?” he asked. The store owner answered, “Anywhere
from $30 to $50.”

The little boy reached into his pocket and pulled out some change. “I
have $2.37,” he said. “Can I please look at them?” The store owner
smiled and whistled. Out of the nearby kennel came Lady who ran down
the aisle of the store, followed by 5 tiny balls of fur. One puppy was
lagging behind.

Immediately, the little boy singled out the lagging, limping, puppy and
said, “What’s wrong with that little dog?” The store owner explained
that the Vet had examined the puppy and discovered that it did not have
a hip socket. It would always limp, it would always be lame.

The little boy became excited. “That’s the puppy I want to buy.” The
store owner siad, “No, you don’t want to buy that little dog, if you
really want him, I’ll give him to you.”

The little boy got very upset. He looked straight into the store
owner’s eye and pointing his finger said, “I don’t want you to give him
to me. That little dog is worth as much as the other dogs and I’ll pay
full price. I’ll give you $2.37 now and 50 cents a week until I have
him paid for.”

The store owner countered, “You really don’t want to buy this little
dog, son. He’s never going to be able to run and jump and play with you
like the other puppies.”

At this, the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to
reveal a badly twisted and crippled left leg, supported by a metal
brace. He looked up at the store owner and said, “Well, I don’t run so
well myself and the puppy will need someone who understands.”

(In life it does not matter what happens to you..good or bad. It all
depends on how you treasure the good, and react to the bad.)